Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

Staying Positively Radiant With AVEENO Active Naturals #Influenster #RadiantWithAVEENO

Skincare is a topic that has become more and more important to me as each year passes. When I was 15, I had flawless skin. No blemishes, redness, blotchy spots, or fine lines. Those were the days… I appreciated my skin but always thought that it would remain porcelain and perfect. I didn’t care about taking care of my skin or preparing it for the years to come. At that age, don’t we all think we are “invisible”to the signs of aging among other things? My mom always encouraged me to start taking care of my complexion as a teen. “It is never too early to start taking care of your skin,” she would say. As a teenager the words went in one ear and right out the other! Needless to say, a year or so later I began my interest in skincare and researched brands that would best suit me. Here I am today, skincare and beauty junkie that can’t get enough!

Continue Reading

LYSOL: A Touch Of Foam Antibacterial Hand Wash Review

Lately, Bzzagent has been pumping all of their agents up with new campaigns and exciting product launches. Not too long ago I was invited to participate in the “Lysol Touch Of Foam Antibacterial Hand Wash” program. Washing your hands in a necessity and it’s something that each of us do every single day, several times a day. Being a mom, germs are impossible to avoid and the common cold strikes every other week. This is why it’s so important to have a soap that cleanses, kills the bacteria, and consistently delivers what it promises. As parents healthy living matters to us most, and it also matters to Lysol. They have created this new antibaterial wash to keep our hands clean and also soft. The rich lather is gentle on the skin but tough on determined bacteria that doesn’t want to budge. As a bzzagent I had the opportunity to try one of these foaming soaps for myself. I was given the “Creamy Vanilla Orchid” scent and my entire household has been using it for the past week.
I’m embarrassed to say that I have never actually smelled an orchid before. Maybe I have and I just didn’t realize it. Normally when I go to the store and pick up flowers I grab the first bundled bunch I see. I don’t usually pay attention to  the kind of flowers inside. They just have to be alive and blooming beautifully. But if the orchid flower itself smells anything like this hand soap, I think I will begin purchasing them on a regular basis! In addition to the light flowery scent, it also has a hint of sweet vanilla that compliments it perfectly. It’s not too strong and at the same time it leaves a very pleasant aroma behind. It’s the kind of odor your would WANT lingering around in your bathroom or kitchen after washing.

As far as the foam goes, I jumped on this train as soon as I saw the first bottle hit the shelves. After discovering the “foam” craze a few years ago, I noticed many brands were finding their own unique way of dispensing their product in this form. I‘ve never been a big fan of liquid soaps and the mess they leave behind. It seems like no matter how hard you try, you will always have that thin string of soap that seeps from the nozzle and creates a pile on your counter. With the foam dispenser, you do not have to worry about any mess. A few pumps and you have the perfect amount to get your hands clean and remove 99.9% of the bacteria. There is no sticky pile or waste of soap. The bottle is also more attractive and it appears as a higher end soap that looks pretty next to the sink. Since the formula contains moisture enriched micro bubbles, your hands are left soft and silky after every wash. Most soaps tend to dry out the skin, leaving it cracked and uncomfortable. After using this soap I do not even have to use lotion. My hands feel wonderful!

I have been enjoying the new Lysol Touch of Foam Antibacterial Hand Wash and so has my family along with guests. My daughter uses it on a daily basis whether she has dirty hands or not. I think she may just like the fun foam but I have caught her in the bathroom several times this week alone! She definitely has the cleanest and softest hands in the house right now… 

If you are interested in trying Lysol Touch of Foam Antibacterial Wash you can  pick it up at your local grocery store or any retailer that sells Lysol products. It comes in three different scents- Creamy Vanilla Orchid, Rose & Cherry In Bloom, and Wild Berry Bliss. Head over to the Lysol Facebook page for updates, promotions, and coupons!

Disclosure: I received a sample of the new Lysol Touch Of Foam as a Bzzagent. I will not be compensated for this post and all opinions are my own!

A Twist To Game Night With TWISTER RAVE Skip It & Ringz + GIVEAWAY!

Growing up one of my very favorite games to play was and still is TWISTER. It’s a a family friendly classic that never gets old. Whether it is played with two people or five, it is sure to end in laughs and odd positions! When Hasbro offered me the opportunity to try two of their new games within the TWISTER family, I happily accepted. TWISTER RAVE Skip It and TWISTER RAVE Ringz are two games of four in the line. Both can be found at most mass retailers such as Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, etc.
Continue Reading

L’Oréal Paris Magic BB Cream Review #MagicBBCream

In the past year BB creams have quickly taken over the cosmetic world, giving beauty junkies a unique alternative to a flawless complexion. Originating in Asia, these beauty balms have made their mark and are now available in the United States. Many popular high end and drugstore brands have created their own formulas that are comparable to those sold overseas. Like many others, L’Oréal Paris has created the Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream. It is currently available in four shades- Fair, Light, Medium, and Deep. This can be found in the cosmetic section of most major drugstores. Since BB creams are supposed to act as an “all in one” product, I was intrigued to see the results. This on in particular primes the skin for smooth texture, perfects any imperfections, hydrates for all day moisture, and corrects skin for an everyday healthy complexion. Who wouldn’t want to skip a good three or four steps in their beauty routine for one product that does it all?
Continue Reading

Cascadian Farm Organic Review

Since becoming a mom three years ago, my lifestyle and diet has noticably changed. Living in Colorado I was introduced to natural food stores, farmer’s markets, and a healthy way of eating.  I have noticed that eating organic is not only a trend but now a lifestyle for many Americans. I, myself have been trying to wiggle in more natural products into my family’s diet. Eating organic is not only healthier but it allows you to enjoy the true flavors of each ingredient. One of the most popular brands I have purchased is Cascadian Farm. All of the products that Cascadian Farm offers are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetically engineered ingredients. This means there are no artificial flavors, preservatives, or extra junk to alter the appearance. Cascadian Farm currently has 75 delicious, high-quality organic products on the market. These include granola, cereal, granola bars, frozen fruit, vegetables, and much more. 

Cascadian Farm was kind enough to send me two of their upcoming products, Berry Cobble Granola and the Crunchy Granola Bars in Oats & Honey. The first thing I was eager to try was the Berry Cobbler Granola. Does the title alone not sound absolutely yummy? I love granola and am always taste testing new brands to find what I like to call, my “Holy Grail Granola!” Cascadian Farm is actually  known as being America’s Favorite Granola Cereal Brand. Granola can be eaten so many ways and I don’t think many people realize how versatile it can be. You can eat it on yogurt, in milk, baked into treats, or even tossed in a trail mix. 

The Berry Cobbler flavor is made with organic whole grain oats, crisp rice, dried cranberries, and blueberries. Short and simple, huh? The medley of these ingredients baked into the granola makes it crunchy and flavorful. It doesn’t get soggy quickly and when you open the bag there are big crunchy chunks instead of a ton of small flakes. When you bite into one of the dried fruit pieces, they are chewy and add a nice contrast of texture. I don’t think it’s going to get any better than this but I am anxious to try the Crunchy Granola Bars too. 

The Cascadian Farm Crunchy Granola Bars are available in two flavors at the moment. These include Almond Butter and Harvest Spice. In 2013 we will see the release of three new flavors, Oats & Honey being one of them. The other two are Peanut Butter and Oats & Cocoa- YUM! When I received my package I was thrilled to see the Oats & Honey inside because I regularly eat snack bars with both main ingredients. Each box contains 10 individual packages with two crunchy bars inside. While they are delicious eaten just as they are, I like to sometimes break mine up and toss them into vanilla yogurt as a snack! The Oats & Honey flavor has the perfect amount of sweetness, crunch, and hint of vanilla. Compared to other leading brands, you can really taste all of the natural flavors blended together. 

By taste alone it would be hard to tell that they are only made with seven wholesome ingredients. I’ll admit, I am not used to buying products with such a short list of ingredients on the back. It was refreshing to see that I recognized everything inside- rolled oats, sugar, sunflower oil, honey, sea salt, molasses, and vanilla extract. With 23 grams of whole grain per serving, these are an excellent healthy snack for adults and children. It is estimated that 48 grams of whole grain are recommended each day. By eating one package of crunchy bars that takes care of almost half! They are great for packing in lunches or serving as an after school snack. I really haven’t been able to stop eating them myself…

With basic natural ingrediants, Cascadian Farm is keeping it simple while also delivering a ton of flavor in each of their products.  To learn more about Cascadian Farm and their organic products, visit the website here. You can also interact with the brand by liking them on Facebook. Keep an eye out in 2013 for more delicious releases!

Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate this review. I will not be compensated and all opinions are my own. 

Purex Baby Liquid Detergent Review and Giveaway #PurexBaby

 
When Toodie was a baby it felt like every other day I was doing a new load of laundry. From messy throw up moments to leaky diapers, there was always a hamper full of dirty linens that needed a thorough cleaning. At the time, Toodie had a very mild case of eczema and very sensitive skin to go along with it. I had to be careful what kind of laundry detergent I used to wash her bedding and clothing. This meant purchasing a mild soap that would not irritate her skin. Even though I used a leading brand sold in most stores, I always found that it never did a very good job of getting the stains out completely. I also thought it was my only option. But today, there is a better alternative on the market.

Purex Baby laundry detergent is dermatologist tested and guarantees the removal of stubborn stains without hurting your delicate clothing. It also specially formulated to be gentle on your little one’s sensitive skin. Like all Purex detergents, it is suitable for all washing machines from high efficiency to your traditional top loaders. Something that stood out to me about this detergent is that it will not affect any flame resistant clothing that you may have for your child. It is made to keep them smelling fresh, clean, and comfortable on your child’s skin. I have been using Purex Baby for a week now and am pleased with the results. Using it mostly for my toddler’s clothing, each time I remove them from the dryer a cloud of freshness greets me. The scent alone is incredible and I have even begun washing my own sheets with this! Stains that I thought would never come out, disappeared within one wash. Every parent could benefit from using Purex Baby whether you have a child with sensitive skin, allergies, or are just looking for a wonderful smelling detergent for the family.

Purex has just launched their Oh Baby! Sweepstakes where three lucky winners will receive the grand prize of $500!  An additional 250 winners will also win a bottle of Free Purex Baby detergent.  This contest will end January 23, 2013 and is open to entrants 18 years of age and over.
As a Purex Insider, I was provided with three FREE products coupons for my loyal readers. If you would like the chance to win a bottle of Purex Baby detergent you can enter through the rafflecopter form below. Three will win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Purex provided me with a sample of Purex Baby detergent in exchange for a product review. As always, all opinions are my own!

Knock Knock Stuff : Clump-O-Lump Toys Review

Do you ever find that you child plays with their most simple toys more than those with a million parts or pieces? I know I do on a daily basis. While Toodie has a treasure trove of puzzles and blocks in her room, she always goes for that one strange toy that gives her hours of enjoyment. It may not make much sense to me as a mom but it goes to show that the silliest toys can be the most entertaining!  If you find yourself in the same position as I am then you may appreciate the wacky hybrid creatures known as Clump-O-Lumps. What the heck is a Clump-O-Lump? It is a large stuffed toy that is available in six different animals including a tiger, squid, frog, shark, bumble bee, and chirpin birdie. But don’t be fooled, these aren’t your traditional snuggly stuffed animals.
Continue Reading

Starlooks: December Starbox Review

We’re wrapping up the end of the year and Starlooks has provided me one of their top notch boxes to review again. The anticipated December Starbox included a 15 shade eyeshadow pallete that is valued at $99! This was a nice surprise considering I only expect a few new makeup products to try each month. The 15 full size colors are exclusive to this pallette ONLY and are not available individually. While I was provided this box to facilitate this review, I feel that it is totally worth the $15 each month. Based on December alone, you cannot beat getting a complete eyeshadow pallete with a variety of colors for the price. The pans are good size and the eyeshadow is dense. If used correctly it will last you a long time and there are endless looks you can achieve with such fun colors.

Continue Reading

Keep Your Hands Pampered During The Holidays With Julep

It’s officially a week into December and this time of year always tends to be a little stressful for me. By the time it gets here I am on the verge of pulling out my hair, throwing in the towel, and wrapping my presents with newspaper! Sound like a crazy person? Really, it’s not that as bad as it sounds. I love Christmas, but the days leading up to it are fast paced and hectic. The holidays can make anyone a little coo-coo. That is why it is important to not only worry about others this season but also ourselves. We are never too busy for a little pampering and honestly, we deserve it! Our hands are the two greatest tools that are used and sometimes abused during the holidays. After endless wrapping, baking, cleaning, cooking, packing, folding, scrubbing, and decorating- my hands are screaming for a little lovin’. Lucky for me, I was given the opportunity to try two “handy” products from Julep to bring them back to life.

Continue Reading

Dial Foaming Hand Wash In Limited Edition Holiday Designs!

  
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the limited edition Holiday Foaming Hand Wash by Dial is now available. With the holidays officially here, most of us have family and friends at our homes often. Why not decorate your bathroom or kitchen with a festive bottle of soap to brighten up their spirit? These seasonal bottles contain Dial Complete’s #1 doctor recommended antibacterial foaming hand wash. This formula kills 99.99% of germs encountered in the household setting while still being gentle on the skin.
 
As a mother, having a dependable soap that kills germs is very important to have in the home. Toodie is always getting into a mess, playing outside, and getting the usual cold from school. When the holidays roll around we try and keep the germs as far away as we can. No one wants the sniffles on Christmas morning. On top of the adorable designs on each bottle, I can’t get enough of the scent from the actual soap. If I had to describe the smell I would say it is somewhere between cranberry and pomegranate. Whatever it is, I love the way my hands smell after washing. I have been washing my hands a little more than necessary since I received these! 
The Holiday collection by Dial offers four cheerful designs including the Santa, Snowman, Candy Cane, and Holiday Scene. Each is guaranteed to bring a little bit of cheer into your home this season. Clean hands are happy hands whether these fun festive bottles are in your kitchen or bathroom!
For more information about Dial soap and these fun holiday products, you can visit their website and also like them on Facebook.
Disclosure: I received the products above from Dial  for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this post. As always, opinion are my own!

Everywhere